RETURN TO MENDOZA

It is time to say goodbye to Penitentes and to pack our duffels bags and backpacks for a transport back to Mendoza.

High mountains and blue sky. The weather is perfect again.

Old railway bridge across Mendoza River. The railway is no longer used, all the traffic is by cars and trucks.

Mountains along the highway to Mendoza.

Big sky above Mendoza River.

It is time to say bye to these incredible mountains. After three weeks of travel the expedition is almost over. After arriving in Mendoza I have to catch the evening flight back to Santiago, Miami and Toronto.

Notwithstanding all the disappointments with weather, food and climbing routes, it has been a terrific experience. As always the passage of time will erase the bad memories and leave only the good ones. I will never forget the crisp morning air, the glorious sunshine, the endless horizon and breathtaking scenery. I am grateful to our guides, Wesley, Laura and Emilio, for their friendship and help. I am also grateful to all the members of the expedition for ignoring my idiosyncrasies. I wish you all the best for the future climbs. Hopefully I will get a chance to meet with you again somewhere on a high mountain trail.

 There are no more decisions to be made, my mind is free to roam. It is time to start thinking about settling the score with Denali. See you all in Alaska in June 2006.